Leaving hospital can feel like a relief, but the first few days at home can also bring new questions.
Medicines may have changed. You may be less mobile than before. A wound may need care. Everyday activities such as showering, preparing food or getting to appointments may temporarily—or permanently—become more difficult.
A little planning before discharge can make the transition easier.
Healthdirect describes discharge planning as the link between hospital treatment and the care needed in the community, with good planning helping reduce complications, medication errors and unplanned readmissions. Health Direct
Before leaving hospital, make sure you understand:
Your medicines. What should you take? Has anything changed? Have any medicines stopped? Do you have enough medication until your next medical review?
Your follow-up care. When do you need to see your GP, specialist, outpatient clinic or allied-health professional?
Your wound or treatment instructions. If you have a wound, dressing, catheter or other ongoing treatment, who will manage it and when?
Warning signs. Ask what symptoms should prompt you to contact your GP, hospital, another healthcare professional or emergency services.
Activity restrictions. Are there restrictions on lifting, walking, driving, bathing or other activities?
Equipment. Will you need a walking aid, shower equipment or other equipment at home?
Support at home. Who will help with personal care, meals, shopping, household activities and transport while you recover?
SA Health similarly advises people leaving hospital to understand their medicines, know how to stay well, know who to contact if they feel unwell and ask about community services that can assist them. SA Health
Keep your discharge information together
Before leaving, make sure you know how to access your discharge summary and any relevant medication information, treatment instructions, referrals and follow-up appointments.
Healthdirect notes that a discharge summary commonly contains the diagnosis, procedures, allergies or reactions, clinical summary, medicines, follow-up requirements and community services arranged after discharge. Health Direct
Keep these documents somewhere easy to find and take relevant information to your GP and other healthcare appointments.
Think about the first 72 hours at home
Ask some very practical questions:
- Can I get into my home safely?
- Can I get to the toilet?
- Can I shower safely?
- Do I have food available?
- Can I prepare meals?
- Can I take my medicines correctly?
- Who will change my dressing?
- Can I get in and out of bed or a chair?
- Who will take me to appointments?
- Who can I call if something goes wrong?
These small details can make a major difference once you are actually home.
Arrange support before you leave where possible
If you are likely to require nursing or home support after discharge, ask the hospital team about referrals and community services before you go home.
Depending on your needs and arrangements, support at home may include community nursing, wound care, medication support, personal care, meal or shopping assistance, transport, household assistance and other appropriate services.
Older people who need ongoing government-funded aged care can also be referred to My Aged Care by hospital-based health professionals for an assessment. My Aged Care
Already home and finding things harder than expected?
Sometimes the level of help needed only becomes obvious once a person returns home.
If you or someone you care for is struggling with nursing needs or everyday support after discharge, contact us to discuss what is happening.
Office: 08 6388 0982 Dial # 2
Clinical Care Manager: 0494 722 663
connect@sacommunitysupport.com.au